The Montana 500 invites Model T aficionados for a unique endurance test. This article details the participants' experiences alongside the event's rigid rules and rich history.
The whir of the wind and the gentle hiss of steam escaping from an old Model T Ford painted an unexpected backdrop as I settled onto the gravel shoulder of Montana Highway 12. Dark, moody clouds hovered overhead, occasionally releasing cold raindrops that cut through my layers of clothing. Alone on this desolate stretch of highway, the only company I had was the reassuring thought that help was on the way from the event's support truck.
It wasn't just another day—it was the Montana 500, an enduring celebration of automotive history dating back to 1961. Each year, a group of devoted Model T enthusiasts gathers in different cities across Montana for an educational and exhilarating three-day endurance run, spanning approximately 500 miles. Participants in this vintage car rally navigate the difficult terrain, testing the limits of both their driving skills and the century-old machinery.
Gathering for the Challenge
The Montana 500 draws a diverse group of individuals, all with a shared passion for these remarkable vehicles. Each participant aims to maintain the highest average speed without modern modifications. The event operates under strict rules to preserve the authenticity of the experience—so those who inadvertently use updated parts or systems find themselves disqualified. Modern conveniences, while tempting, aren’t welcomed here.
Initially, my only knowledge of this unique event came from a social media post from Luke Chennell, whose Model T had recently triumphed in the Montana 500 with an impressive 54.6 mph average speed over 446 miles. Even with my extensive background in prewar automobiles, my outlook on the Model T had been overshadowed by its reputation as an outdated relic. Yet, my curiosity transformed into a mission to experience this journey firsthand.
Preparing for the Adventure
Understanding the challenge laid ahead, I knew I needed to dig deeper into the world of Model Ts. My research led me to reach out to Luke, who rapidly inspired me to not only participate but also document the experience. My next step involved hooking up with Josh Sweeney, a photographer who didn’t hesitate to accompany me. Together, we sought out a reliable Model T to join the adventure.
Fortunately, Hagerty offered two options: a modified 1915 Model T Touring Car, which had been revitalized for long-distance travel, and an original 1915 model that had remained untouched. After some debate, I chose the modified Touring Car, a decision that felt increasingly right as I set out for Roundup, Montana, ready to meet the rest of the participants.
Roundup, Montana: Welcome to the Rally
After a 22-hour drive, Josh and I arrived in Roundup, a town defined more by its character than bustling crowds. The absence of stoplights and a few small convenience shops painted a quaint picture, and the atmosphere was welcoming. Little did we know, this was the calm before the storm of adventure awaiting us.
On our first evening, we ventured to the local Big Sky Motel, buzzing with Model Ts already parked in the lot. Each car, painted in vivid hues undreamed by Ford a century prior, represented the personalities and ingenuity of their owners. As we mingled with enthusiasts, my apprehension transformed into excitement, especially upon meeting the seasoned drivers adroitly navigating their pre-WWII machinery.
The Endurance Run Begins
As the event approached, a sense of camaraderie filled the air. However, the first day was marked by an early-morning meeting where participants discussed logistics: the route, support contacts, and other critical information. For many in the room, ranging from longtime veterans to newcomers, this was an annual pilgrimage comparable to a family reunion.
On Sunday morning, as cars lined the parking lot, I realized the full significance of having a well-tuned vehicle. My Touring Car, equipped with a non-stock carburetor and electronic ignition, would not compete in timed events but would participate in the journey itself. Preparations began with fellow participants brushing up on starting procedures for their own Model Ts, building suspense as anticipation grew. The excitement intensified when race timers signaled the start.
Experience on the Open Road
Setting off into the rolling fields of Montana, my Model T felt surprisingly steady despite my initial trepidation. With Josh snapping photos and Sonny—a fellow participant—sharing delightful stories of the past, I absorbed the breathtaking scenery. The vast expanses of green hills juxtaposed against the silhouette of the clouds provided stunning visuals, designed by nature itself.
While driving, I quickly learned about the importance of maintaining speed on uphill climbs; my newfound pace transformed from excitement to awe as modern traffic whizzed past us at speeds incongruous with our vintage experience. However, that thrill met a swift reality check when rain began to pour, testing our resolve as we decided whether to pull up the convertible top.
Disaster struck when the front wheel unexpectedly fractured, leading to a swift adjustment in plans. After an emergency stop, our plight became evident to the event’s chase truck. With no spare and minor repairs beyond my abilities, we had no choice but to await transport while maintaining a hopeful spirit.
The Community of Model T Owners
In the spirit of generosity and community, the fellow participants exhibited a culture of support, offering a spare seat so I wouldn’t miss out on the challenging route ahead. As connections formed, each story exchanged enriched my grasp of what it meant to be a part of this unique fraternity.
Throughout the day, I ventured into other vehicles. These excursions offered me insight into how various drivers had spent years refining their Model Ts to achieve performance that paradoxically belied their age. Eventually, I found myself enjoying lively conversations about the past glories of these automobiles.
Tuning for Success
On the eve of the second full day of action, I found myself standing in front of a high-performance Model T roadster lent to me by Tony Cerovski, a seasoned participant and car builder. His extensive experience with the mechanics of these vehicles would, he hoped, elevate my performance when I hit the road once again.
As dawn approached, I practiced the redefined starting techniques he had taught me, visualizing the proper adjustments to the throttle and ignition timing. With an eager audience of fellow enthusiasts watching, I merged onto the road for what felt like a different era. This Model T roared to life, gripping the asphalt beneath it with astonishing power.
The feel of being behind the wheel of a finely-tuned machine was exhilarating. The roadster hardly flinched on steep inclines, showcasing the potential of regenerative engineering of 100 years of wisdom, fine-tuned for optimal performance. My confidence surged as I maneuvered through the undulating landscapes while pushing my driving skills to match this modified beast.
Facing New Challenges
Midway through the drive, an unexpected failure hit—my car began to lose power. Quickly pulling over, I recognized the distinctive smell of coolant seeping through the passenger side—my head gasket had failed. Fortunately, my training held, and I maintained control as I drifted to a stop. Rescue arrived swiftly.
Despite setbacks, the Montana 500 continued to embody perseverance throughout misfortunes, as others helped troubleshoot and offered tools and spare parts, illustrating a devoted commitment to automotive camaraderie—all born from mutual passion.
Shared Experiences and Lessons Learned
My adventures culminated in nightly gatherings, where participants shared their past stories around makeshift campfires. The years of experience flooding through those narratives united us, showcasing an ancient bond over the timeless classic car community. Every voice illuminated a thread connecting the participants across generations.
The final day arrived with renewed enthusiasm. As participants prepared their vehicles, I observed the meticulous care with which they inspected every component, nervously hoping for big outcomes. The compressed energy mixed with shared excitement was palpable.
Final Thoughts
As Tuesday unfolded and I watched the remaining competitors head off on their last journey, I felt bittersweet—regret for not riding alongside them but immense gratitude for what I had experienced. The Montana 500 didn't just celebrate old cars; it honored the people who dedicated themselves to their maintenance and preservation.
In the end, I wound up back in Roundup, reflecting on the future of this incredible event. A deep-seated hope lingered within me—I, too, would participate in the Montana 500 again, eager to embrace both the successes and the struggles that come with driving a century-old masterpiece.
